The government is working for the welfare of the people and the development of the country, BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman began working for the welfare of the people and the country after returning home. Even after the election, his activities have clearly demonstrated his commitment to the people and his determination to develop the country.

Fakhrul made the remarks as a special guest at a programme held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday (August 8), marking the 37th founding anniversary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).

Expressing his expectations, the BNP secretary general said the allocation for the country’s healthcare sector would be increased to 22 percent of GDP over the next five years. He said the government was working for public welfare and national development, and called on everyone to work together to build a developed, humane and equitable Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul said DAB members have contributed to the country in various fields, including natural disasters, political movements and nation-building, since the organisation was established. He particularly thanked doctors and other professionals for providing medical services while risking their lives during natural disasters.

He also praised the role of doctors and others involved in providing medical treatment to Rohingyas when they arrived in Bangladesh.

Referring to the BNP’s prolonged political movement, Fakhrul expressed gratitude to those who had played roles in the party’s political struggle over the past 15 to 16 years. He also thanked the doctors who had been involved in the long-term treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Praising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Mirza Fakhrul said that after returning to the country following years of “severe authoritarian rule,” Tarique Rahman had begun working for the welfare of the people and the country. He said his activities even after the election had demonstrated his commitment to the people and determination to develop the country.

He said a new Bangladesh must be built with the principle of “Bangladesh First” at the forefront. Everyone must come forward to establish a new state and society based on development, humanity and equality, he added.

Fakhrul said whenever an environment conducive to stability and development emerges in the country, a certain group attempts to push the situation backward through national and international conspiracies. Therefore, educated and influential sections of society must play a role in raising public awareness, he said.

“We want to build a new Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul said, urging everyone to move forward together to build a Bangladesh based on development, humanity and equality.

The programme was attended by the prime minister, leaders of the medical community, ministers and leaders and activists of DAB at various levels.